The Knicks are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in two years, while the Nets are trying to not to miss the playoffs for the first time in 5 years.

The Nets just regained Richard Jefferson, and have been playing better as of late, while the Knicks have lost Crawford for the season, David Lee for about a month more, and Quentin Richardson occasionaly has back spasms that take him out of games. The Knicks are 24-23 in their last 27 games, and 20-17 after the brawl. The Knicks have more depth, but the Nets have more experience, and leadership. Who do you think will make the playoffs, either, both, or neither?

right now, i say both. their competition is indiana and orlando (and i guess atlanta and phil. are lurking a few games back). the nets looked decent last night, and they're done with the texas triangle.

This is what we are reduced to: which pathetic team will get to the playoffs.

I know the playoffs were expanded a long time ago, but every year we have these "exciting" races for the 7th and 8th spots. This year it's really bad in the East. The Hawks and the 76ers are still in it! I can't contain myself!

in the past, I wanted the Knicks out of the playoffs and I ridicule them without end.

but that was primarily because back then, they played without purpose and without intent. instead of running anything resembling an offense, they would dribble with no ball movement, and shoot a brick.

this season, they show much more energy, passion, and intensity. though their overall record is still not impressive by any means, they play hard night in and night out, all thanks to David Lee as a catalyst (too bad he's out for a month with those knee problems) that first meeting b/t Knicks and Nets, I figured the Knicks would simply roll over and die and get blown out.

but the fact that they kept on playing and forced the Nets to win on a one in a million tip showed that they play for real now. that's the night I gained respect for the Knicks.

so it would be good for both teams to be in the playoffs.

but if i had a choice of only one, I'd choose Nets. gotta stick with the home team.